What is the definition of "accuracy" in the context of data?

In the context of data, "accuracy" refers to how close the data is to the correct or true value. This concept is essential in various fields, especially in mathematics and scientific measurement, as it indicates how well a measured value represents an actual quantity.

When discussing accuracy, it's important to distinguish it from other terms such as precision. While accuracy measures the closeness to a true value, precision relates to the consistency or repeatability of measurements—essentially, whether repeated measurements yield the same results. The correct understanding of accuracy helps in assessing the reliability of data and ensuring that conclusions drawn from data analysis are valid and trustworthy.

In summary, the definition that identifies accuracy as the proximity of data to the correct value is critical for understanding how well data reflects reality, thereby enabling informed decisions based on that data.